Bob Kraft praises Worcester Tech High for work on bridge

Tuesday

Nov 5, 2013 at 4:34 PMNov 6, 2013 at 12:16 PM

By Brian Lee TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF

WORCESTER — Worcester Technical High School students today welcomed Bob Kraft, owner of the three-time Super Bowl-winning Patriots, and two of his favorite former Patriots. Mr. Kraft appeared as equally impressed to meet Tech Principal Sheila M. Harrity, this year's National Principal of the Year.

Mr. Kraft and former stars Troy Brown and Andre Tippett visited the school because its students and those from Worcester Polytechnic Institute are working on replacing the iconic wooden footbridge in historic Elm Park, which was originally built in the late 19th century.

The footbridge will be named in honor of Myra Hiatt Kraft, Mr. Kraft's late wife, who grew up in Worcester. She died in 2011.

The owner brought 40 Patriots hats for the players, but it was 28 shy of its complement of players. Mr. Kraft promised to send more.

In addition, Mr. Kraft provided incentive for the school's game against Oakmont on Friday.

If they win, the team could attend a home Patriots game, Mr. Kraft said.

"We'll work a deal out," the owner said.

City Manager Michael V. O'Brien presented a rendition of the Elm Park Bridge painted by local artist Bob Aiello.

Worcester Tech football player Daniel Lebron presented Mr. Kraft with a school jacket.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Kraft said, "I love the city of Worcester because my sweetheart came from here, and she's the best thing that could happen to me."

He also lauded Mr. O'Brien and said he was pleased that the No. 1 principal has her students working on a bridge that honors his wife.

"Myra was a bridge builder, and seeing this bridge being something that can be available to people from all backgrounds, and have a quality of life, is very cool," he said.

He commended the high school's 98 percent graduation rate and for training students to earn a living and “taking academia and relating it to actual things.”

He added, “We need more of this in American, and it's really heartening for me to see it.”

Mr. Kraft issued as a challenge to make the new bridge handicapped accessible.

“I know Myra would prefer the bridge be accessible to people from all backgrounds,” he said. “So I hope that they are ADA compliant.”

Last week a crew from F.W. Madigan used a large crane to move the bridge to the high school on Skyline Drive.

WPI students are doing the bridge design and engineering; students and staff at Worcester Technical High School are doing the milling and replication work.

Officials said the new footbridge in Elm Park could come as early as next year.

Officials secured donations for the project through the Rotary Club of Worcester.